PARALLELS IN THE EPISTLES FROM CHRIST’S SERMON ON THE MOUNT

 

[All Scripture quotations are taken from the Revised Version (1881)]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It may be claimed of the Sermon on the Mount that it is intended for the guidance of regenerate persons in an unregenerate world.  And because the gifts and empowerment of the Gospel are his who trusts and serves the Lord, these words of Christ stand.  Their revelation has never been withdrawn: they set forth the true standard of Christian morality.  They describe the conduct produced by the life of Christ in His believing people; they abide in full moral applicability to us: they are super-dispensational and reveal the moral laws upon which the judgments of the Day of Christ are founded.  Thus they should be studied and taken to heart by the follower of Christ who would learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart” ... “What is written here, albeit intended primarily for Jews; it is for the instruction and edification of all that name the Name of the Lord” ... “There is nothing in the Sermon that is not found in another form in the Epistles.” ... “If we allow the present opportunity for loyal obedience to pass, we may be certain it will never be available again.”

 

Some of the parallels between the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and the Epistles.  Many of the passages commended on in the text have not been included, while duplication of references has been avoided as far as possible.

 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 5

 

Verse 3.  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

Christ Jesus ... humbled Himself (by) becoming obedient even unto death. Phil. 2: 8.

 

Though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy ... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 1: 13-15.

 

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall exalt you. Jas. 4: 10.

 

4. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

 

For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ. 2 Cor. 1: 5.

 

Ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn. 1 Cor. 1: 5: 2.

 

Ye were made sorry after a godly sort ... for godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation. 2 Cor. 7: 9, 10.

 

(God) shall wipe away every tear from your eyes. Rev. 21: 4.

 

5.  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 

Now I Paul myself intreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. 2 Cor. 10: 1.

 

The fruit of the Spirit is ... meekness. Gal. 5: 22, 23.

 

Showing all meekness toward all men. Tit. 3: 2.

 

O man of God ... follow after ... meekness. 1 Tim. 6: 11.

 

If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. 2 Tim. 2: 12.

 

6.  Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 

The grace of God hath appeared ... instructing us, to the intent that ... we should live ... righteously ... in this present age. Tit. 2: 11, 12.

 

Follow after righteousness. 2 Tim. 2: 22.

 

According to His promise, we look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Pet. 3: 13.

 

7.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

 

The wisdom that is from above ... full of mercy. Jas. 3: 17.

 

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward His name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister. Heb. 6: 10.

 

The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain … the Lord grant unto him mercy of the Lord in that day. 2 Tim. 1: 16-18.

 

Judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy. Jas. 2: 13.

 

8. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 

God ... cleansing their hearts by faith. Acts 15: 9.

 

Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth. 1 Pet. 1: 22.

 

The end (aim) of the charge is love out of a pure heart. 1 Tim. 1: 5.

 

Follow after ... the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12: 14.

 

The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and His servants shall ... see His face. Rev. 22: 3, 4.

 

9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.

 

The kingdom of God is ... peace ... in the Holy Ghost.  So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another. Rom. 14: 17, 19.

 

And let the peace of Christ rule (arbitrate) in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. Col. 3: 15.

 

10. Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

But and if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord ... Having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.  For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. 1 Pet. 3: 14-17.

 

Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3: 12.

 

11. Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

 

To you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ ... to suffer in His behalf. Phil. 1: 29.

 

If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.  For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.     1 Pet. 4: 14-16.

 

They think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. 1 Pet. 4: 4.

 

12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 

Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call them blessed which endured. Jas. 5: 10, 11.

 

I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. Rom. 8: 18.

 

Our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4: 17.

 

13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

 

Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace ... Ye were running well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? Gal. 5: 4, 7.

 

For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame. Heb. 6: 4-6.

 

Beware lest, being carried away with the error of the of the wicked, ye fall from your own steadfastness. 2 Pet. 3: 17.

 

Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure. 2 Pet. 1: 10.

 

14. Ye are the light of the world.  A city set on an hill cannot be hid.

 

15. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.

 

16. Even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

Ye were once darkness, but now light in the Lord: walk as children of light (bearing) the fruit of the light ... and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Eph. 5: 8-11.

 

Blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. Phil. 2: 15, 16.

 

Having your behaviour seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Pet. 2: 12.

 

Avoiding this, that any man should blame us ... We take thought for things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 2 Cor. 8: 20, 21.

 

17. Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.

 

The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good ... I delight in the law of God after the inward man. Rom. 7: 12, 22.

 

Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth. Rom. 10: 4.

 

That the ordinance (requirement, margin, lit. righteousness) of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8: 4.

 

Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. Rom. 3: 31.

 

18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or title shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.

 

God, Who cannot lie, promised before times eternal. Tit. 1: 2.

 

The gospel of God which He promised afore by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Rom. 1: 1, 2.

 

God, being minded to shew more abundantly ... the immutability of His counsel, mediated (margin) with an oath: that by two immutable things ... we may have strong encouragement. Heb. 6: 17, 18.

 

19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of the least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

The law is good, if a man use it lawfully. 1 Tim. 1: 8.

 

He that loveth his neighbour (lit, the other man) hath fulfilled the law ... Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. Rom. 1: 3, 8, 10.

 

The whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Gal. 5: 14.

 

20. For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous: he that doeth sin is of the devil ... Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because His seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3: 7-10.

 

I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Rom. 12: 1.

 

21. Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.

 

22. But I say unto you, that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.

 

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3: 15.

 

God shall judge the secrets of men ... by Jesus Christ. Rom. 2: 16.

 

If ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Gal. 5: 15.

 

23. If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee.

 

24. Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

 

Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as God in Christ forgave you.  Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Eph. 4: 32; 5: 1.

 

Desire earnestly the greater gifts.  And a still more excellent way shew I unto you ... follow after love. 1Cor. 12: 31; 14: 1.

 

25. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

 

26. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing.

 

We before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin ... that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God ... for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. Rom. 3: 9, 19, 23.

 

Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6: 2.

 

Eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of His might. 2 Thess. 1: 9.

 

Whose end is perdition. Phil. 3: 19.

 

They shall in no wise escape. 1 Thess. 5: 3.

 

27. Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

 

28. But I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

 

Having eyes full of adultery. 2 Pet. 2: 14.

 

Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Heb. 13: 4.

 

Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have from God? 1 Cor. 6: 18, 19.

 

29. And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble pluck it out, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell.

 

30. And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell.

 

They that are of Jesus Christ have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. Gal. 5: 24.

 

If by the Spirit ye mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom. 8: 13.

 

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, the which is idolatry; for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. Col. 3: 5, 6.

 

I buffet (margin, bruise) my body and bring it into bondage; lest by any means ... I ... should be rejected. 1 Cor. 9: 27.

 

31. It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.

 

32. But I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, save for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.

 

The woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth ... so then if while the husband liveth she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress. Rom. 7: 2, 3.

 

But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband ... and that the husband leave not his wife. 1 Cor. 7: 10, 11.

 

33. Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

 

34. But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God.

 

35. Nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

 

36. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head for thou canst not make one hair white or black.

 

37. But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.

 

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; that ye fall not under judgment. Jas. 5: 12.

 

38. Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.

 

39. But I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy cheek, turn to him the other also.

 

Hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example ... who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not. 1 Pet. 2: 21-13.

 

See that none render unto anyone evil for evil; but alway follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. 1 Thess. 5: 15.

 

40. And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

 

It is altogether a defeat in you, that ye have lawsuits, one with another. Why not rather take wrong? why not rather be defrauded? 1 Cor. 6: 7.

 

41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain.

 

Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God ; and the powers that be are ordained of God.  Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. Rom. 13: 1, 2.

 

Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work. Tit. 3: 1.

 

Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him. 1 Pet. 2: 13.

 

42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

 

To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. 13: 16.

 

Let him labour, working with his hands the thing that is good that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. Eph. 4: 28.

 

Not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9: 6, 7.

 

Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they ... have their hope set ... on God, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate. 1 Tim. 6: 17, 18.

 

Whoso hath the world’s goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth. 1 John 3: 17, 18.

 

43. Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

 

44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you.

 

Bless them that persecute you; bless and curse not ... Render to no man evil for evil. Rom. 12: 14, 17.

 

Being reviled we bless ... being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we intreat. 1 Cor. 4: 12, 13.

 

Not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing. 1 Pet. 3: 9.

 

45. That ye may be (lit. become) sons of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.

 

For there is no respect of persons with God. Rom. 2: 11.

 

He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness. Acts 14: 17.

 

Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Eph. 5: 1.

 

46. For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye?  Do not even the publicans the same?

 

47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?  Do not even the Gentiles the same?

 

And follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. 1 Thess. 5: 15.

 

As we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith. Gal. 6: 10.

 

Supply ... in your love of the brethren love. 2 Pet. 1: 5, 6.

 

48. Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

I count all things to be loss ... that I may gain Christ ... that I may know Him ... if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. Not that I ... am already made perfect: ... but I press on toward the goal. Phil. 3: 8-13.

 

Christ ... Whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ. Col. 1: 27, 28.

 

Let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. Jas. 1: 4.

 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 6.

 

1. Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father which is in heaven.

 

As many desire to make a fair show in the flesh ... Gal. 6: 12.

 

Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not of men but of God. Rom. 2: 29.

 

Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the lord Christ. Col. 3: 22-24.

 

Look to yourselves ... that ye may receive a full reward. 2 John 8.

 

2. When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

 

3. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.

 

4. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

 

And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Cor. 13: 3.

 

Wherefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come, Who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man receive his praise from God. 1 Cor. 4: 5.

 

Neither at any time were we found ... seeking glory of men. 1 Thess. 2: 5, 6.

 

5. And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

 

6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

 

7. And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

 

8. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.

 

In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil. 4: 6.

 

The Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; and He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Rom. 8: 26, 27.

 

9. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.

 

For this cause, I bow my knees unto the Father, from Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named ... One God and Father of all. Eph. 3: 14; 4: 6.

 

10. Thy kingdom come.

 

Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Tit. 2: 13.

 

The eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1: 11.

 

The kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. 2 Thess. 1: 5.

 

The Lord will save me unto His heavenly kingdom. 2 Tim. 4: 18.

 

The seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. Rev. 11: 15.

 

Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

 

Then said I, I am come ... to do Thy will, O God. Heb. 10: 7.

 

We ... do not cease to pray and to make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Col. 1: 9.

 

The God of peace ... make you perfect in every good thing to do His will. Heb. 13: 20, 21.

 

As servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart (lit., soul). Eph. 6: 6.

 

11. Give us this day our daily bread.

 

He that spared not His Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? Rom. 8: 32.

 

My God shall fulfil every need of yours. Phil. 4: 29.

 

God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work. 2 Cor. 9: 8.

 

Having food and covering, in these we shall have enough. 1 Tim. 6: 8 (margin).

 

12. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

 

Forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye. Col. 3: 13.

 

13. And bring us not into temptation.

 

God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted (tried) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10: 3.

 

There was given to me a thorn in the flesh ... Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And He hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for (My) power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12: 7-9.

 

But deliver us from the evil one.

 

The Lord stood by me, and strengthened me ... and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  The Lord will deliver me from every evil work. 2 Tim. 4: 17, 18.

 

The Lord is faithful, Who shall ... guard you from the evil one. 2 Thess. 3: 3.

 

14. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

 

15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. Eph. 4: 32.

 

For judgment is without mercy to him that hath shewed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment. Jas. 2: 13.

 

16. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast.  Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.  But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face.

 

18. That thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

 

If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Jas. 1: 26, 27.

 

Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. 2 Cor. 10, 18.

 

19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves break through and steal.

 

20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

 

21. For where thy treasure is there will thy heart be also.

 

Let your turn of mind (margin) be free from the love of money. Heb. 13: 5.

 

Laying up in store ... a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. 1 Tim. 6: 19.

 

For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3: 20.

 

22. The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

 

23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness!

 

They ... became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Rom. 1: 21, 22.

 

In the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding. Eph. 1: 21, 22.

 

I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. 2 Cor. 11: 3.

 

24. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey? Rom. 6: 16.

 

Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?  Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God. Jas. 4: 4.

 

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2: 15.

 

If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. Gal. 1: 10.

 

25. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?

 

26. Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much more value than they?

 

27. And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto his stature?

 

28. And why are ye anxious concerning raiment?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.

 

29. Yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

 

30. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

 

31. Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

 

32. For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye need of all these things.

 

In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ... and my God shall fulfil every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4: 6, 19.

 

Be ... content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. Heb. 13: 5.

 

Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He careth for you. 1 Pet. 5: 7.

 

We brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out: but having food and covering, in these we shall have enough. 1 Tim. 6: 7, 8. (Margin).

 

33. But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? Rom. 8: 32.

 

As ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying, to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth [is calling you] into his own kingdom and glory. 1Thess. 2: 11, 12.

 

We are bound to give thanks to God alway for you, brethren, ... for your patience and faith in all the persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure; which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God : to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. 2 Thess. 3, 4.

 

But ye are they which have continued with Me in my temptations [trials]: and I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as My Father appointed unto Me. Luke 22: 28, 29.

 

34. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

Go to now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Jas. 4: 13, 14.

 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 7

 

1. Judge not, that ye be not judged.

 

2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall me measured unto you.

 

Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, Who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. 1 Cor. 4: 5.

 

Who art thou that judgest the servant of another?  To his own lord he standeth or falleth ... Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way. Rom. 14: 4, 13.

 

3. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

 

4. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye?

 

5. Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

 

Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of meekness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal. 6: 1, 2.

 

6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.

 

The mind if the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. Rom. 8: 7.

 

Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged. 1 Cor. 2: 14.

 

7. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

 

8. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

9. Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone?

 

10. Or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent?

 

11. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?

 

Praying at all seasons in the Spirit. Eph. 6: 18.

 

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do the things that are pleasing in His sight ... this is the boldness which we have toward Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of Him. 1 John 3: 22; 5: 14, 15.

 

Let him ask in faith, nothing doubting. Jas. 1: 6.

 

12. All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

 

Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law. Rom. 13: 8.

 

Ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. Gal. 5: 13.

 

13. Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many be they that enter in thereby.

 

Wherein aforetime ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; among whom we also all once lived in the lusts of the flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Eph. 2: 2, 3.

 

At the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven ... rendering vengeance (lit. justice) to them that ... obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory from His might. 2 Thess. 1: 7-9.

 

Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; and I will receive you. 2 Cor. 6: 17.

 

14. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it.

 

Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14: 22.

 

Ye behold your calling, brethren, how that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, have part therein. 1 Cor. 1: 26 (margin).

 

15. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

 

Grievous wolves [from among your own selves] shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock ... wherefore watch ye. Acts 20: 29, 31.

 

Such men are false apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness. 2 Cor. 11: 13-15.

 

That we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error. Eph. 4: 14.

 

In later times some shall fall away from the faith ... through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies. 1 Tim. 4: 1, 2.

 

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4: 1.

 

See also Col. 2: 8; 2 Pet. 2: 1-3.

 

16. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

 

17. Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

 

18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

 

19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

 

20. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance. Gal. 5: 22, 23.

 

The fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Eph. 5: 9.

 

Being filled with the fruit(s) of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Phil. 1: 11.

 

Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him shew by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom ... the wisdom that is from above ... full of ... good fruits. Jas. 3: 12-18.

 

21. Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

 

22. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by Thy name, and by Thy name do many mighty works?

 

23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

 

He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2: 4.

 

Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves ... not a hearer that forgetteth, but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing ... What doth it profit ... if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? Can that faith save him? ... Faith, if it hath not works, is dead in itself ... For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. Jas. 1: 22, 25 ; 2: 17, 26.

 

The works of the flesh are manifest ... They which practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal. 5: 19, 21.

 

Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God on the sons of disobedience. Eph. 5: 6.

 

These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Jude 12, 13.

 

24. Every one therefore which heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock.

 

25. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.

 

26. And everyone that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.

 

27. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell; and great was the fall thereof.

 

If any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; each man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man’s work, of what sort it is, If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. 1 Cor. 3: 12-15.

 

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20, 21.

 

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Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”

 

So when they met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?

 

He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’

 

After he said this, he was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

 

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky?  This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”

- Acts 1: 4-11.

 

We wait for His return and the establishment of His Millennial Kingdom.

 

 

THE END